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Urgent & emergency

You Can Talk to Someone Right Now — Call or Text 988

Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is free, confidential, and answered by trained counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not have to be in immediate danger to call. If someone has already been hurt, call 911.

How to reach help right now

Call or text 988 — this is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States 1. Available in English and Spanish; other languages available via interpreter. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org if you cannot speak aloud 2.

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1. Text 838255.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 — a text-based option for those who prefer not to call 3.

If you have already harmed yourself or someone near you is in immediate danger: call 911 now.

You are not alone — and calling is the right move

If you are searching for this number, something is hurting right now. That took courage — reaching toward help is the right instinct.

Counselors at 988 are trained specifically for moments like this 1. You do not have to have a plan or be "in enough crisis" to deserve support. Thoughts about suicide, feelings of hopelessness, or simply not wanting to be here anymore are all reasons to call. The conversation is confidential. You are not in trouble for calling 2.

If you are calling for someone else

If a friend or family member has told you they are thinking about suicide, you can call 988 yourself to get guidance on how to help them.

If they are in immediate danger, call 911 and stay with them until help arrives. Do not leave someone alone if you believe they are about to act.

Removing access to means — medications, firearms — when safe to do so significantly reduces risk in a crisis. A 988 counselor can guide you through this.

Common questions

Is 988 really free and confidential?

Yes. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is free to call or text, available 24/7/365, and confidential. Crisis counselors are trained volunteers and professionals — not law enforcement. Calls are not automatically traced or reported.

What if I do not want to call — can I text instead?

Yes. Text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by text. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org. If you prefer an entirely text-based service, text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).

What happens when I call 988?

You will be connected to a trained crisis counselor, usually within a few minutes. They will listen without judgment, help you understand what you are feeling, and work with you on next steps — which may be as simple as having a conversation, or may include connecting you to local resources.

I am calling for a friend, not myself. Can 988 still help?

Yes. You can call 988 to get guidance on how to support someone else who is struggling. The counselor can help you figure out what to say, what to do, and when to involve emergency services.

Signs that require calling 911 in addition to 988

  • —A specific plan or method for suicide.
  • —Access to means (such as firearms or medications) to carry out a plan.
  • —Saying goodbye or giving away meaningful possessions.
  • —A recent attempt or active self-harm.
  • —Sudden calmness after a period of severe depression — this can signal a dangerous decision has been made.

Call or text 988 now. If an attempt is in progress or there is immediate physical danger: call 911.

This article is not a substitute for speaking with a trained crisis counselor. Please call or text 988 now. This information is for the United States; contact local emergency services if you are outside the US.

References

  1. 1.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (2022). 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. SAMHSA / Vibrant Emotional Health. link ✓988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline availability, confidentiality, and 24/7 access for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or crisis
  2. 2.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (2024). 988 Frequently Asked Questions. SAMHSA. link ✓Confidentiality of 988 calls, online chat option, and guidance for callers who are concerned about a friend or family member
  3. 3.Crisis Text Line (2013). Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. Crisis Text Line (nonprofit). link ✓Crisis Text Line as a text-based alternative for people who prefer not to call a hotline

3 sources, numbered by first appearance. General health information, not medical advice — synthetic demonstration content.